Leeward Construction of Honesdale was awarded the $18.2 million contract, which includes relocating two-lane Route 209 around the congested double traffic lights in Marshalls Creek village.

Ongoing work includes:

Leveling a hillside on the east side of Route 209 at the northern end of the project, and widening portions of the current 209 near Mount Nebo Road at the flea market in Middle Smithfield Township — where the new roadway will connect with the old road.

Earth moving on the east side of Route 209 (Seven Bridge Road) at the southern end of the project, near Twin Falls Road in Smithfield Township.

Crews are building collection ponds for runoff and sediment for upcoming construction of the new road section from here to Mt. Nebo.

Reshaping terrain deep in the woods for the new roadway footprint. This includes building a stormwater drainage system, culverts to move runoff and wildlife, replacement wetlands, sediment basins and swales.

This is the third and final phase of the road project, slated for completion in late 2012.

Stage one, completed in 2007, included widening several intersections in the Route 209 corridor — from Buttermilk Falls to River roads — and rebuilding portions of Oak Grove Drive and circulatory roads in White Birch Estates, west of the Pocono Bazaar flea market.

Stage two, completed in 2009, included construction of a 400-space commuter parking lot near the flea market, relocating a section of Oak Grove including building a new bridge over Pond Creek, and putting in traffic signals at the Oak Grove-Route 209 intersection.